Concert on what would have been 30th birthday for artist who died tragically young

Amnesty International and the United Nations Children's rights’s Fund (UNICEF) are to be the joint beneficiaries of a tribute concert for Matthew Jay, the acclaimed singer-songwriter who died five years ago aged 24.

The tribute event, to be called “Further Than Tomorrow”, will be held at The Shepherd's Bush Empire in London on 10 October and will include performances from Chris Difford, James Walsh (Starsailor), Kathryn Williams and Neill MacColl, Passenger, Dlugokecki, Helen Boulding, Flamboyant Bella, and Vasco.

Matthew Jay died five years ago in mysterious circumstances and the event is being held on what would have been his 30th birthday.

Amnesty International UK PR and Artist Liaison Manager Chloe Baird-Murray said:

“It’s a great honour that Matthew’s family want to donate some of the proceeds from this tribute night to Amnesty human rights work - we’re deeply touched.

“It’s going to be a magical and moving night of music.”

Matthew Jay’s career was in full flow until his tragic death in 2003 and he’d earned comparisons with folk music legends Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley, as well as working and touring with Dido, Travis, Doves and Starsailor.

Recently, unfinished musical ideas found on Matthew’s computer after his death have been faithfully converted into new songs by friends, family and the group Vasco, forming the critically-acclaimed “Further Than Tomorrow” album - which sold out in a day when released for sale in June this year.